To begin, the Australian chapter of IARPP acknowledges and grieves the deaths of two members of The Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Christina Emanuel and Peter Buirski. Furthermore, we continue to hold in mind those suffering due to the war in the Ukraine and the recent devastating earthquake in Turkey.

After a successful 2022 for the Australian chapter, 2023 promises to be equally interesting with a line-up of thought-provoking presenters on topical subjects. We commenced the year with a fundraising event. Dr. Martha Stark (USA) has generously provided her time for two seminars in 2023 with all funds raised donated to the Ukraine effort. Her first seminar took place in February and was very well attended by an enthusiastic audience. We look forward to her next seminar on April 29.

For our Saturday seminars, in March, Dr. David Bell (UK) presented on the subject of gender dysphoria in children and young people, followed by presentations in April by Avgi Saketopoulou (USA) and in May, David Schwartz (USA), continuing the discourse from various viewpoints. We look forward to Jill Salberg (USA), Peter Rudnytsky (USA) and Karen Maroda (USA) later in the year. Due to the pandemic, currently Saturday seminars continue online, with ongoing discussion regarding easing into more in-person events.

The IARPP-Australia chapter committee has grown with the welcome addition of Gabrielle Elliott and Dr. Meg Carley. IARPP-Australia continues to grow with an addition of 33 new members this year from Australia and 40 from New Zealand. Our monthly IARPP Reading groups, initiated by our committee members in Melbourne, continue to be attended with enthusiasm by members of the Australian chapter from all over Australia and in New Zealand.

Leena Chaugule and Kate Wright, Co-Chairs                              

Leena Chaugule, PsyD, FRANZCP, MBBS
Sydney, Australia
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Kate Wright, MAClinPsych
Sydney, Australia
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